Chapter 31 Land of Absurdity
Lyra had imagined the Titanium Pack a thousand different ways during her ride in the car. She had pictured cold metal walls, soldiers everywhere, maybe even a castle. But nothing prepared her for the reality of it.
The moment they crossed the enormous iron gates, Lyra nearly stopped walking.
The Titanium Pack didn’t look like a pack at all.
It looked like a fancy, otherworldly kingdom.
Towering buildings made of steel and silver glass rose on both sides of the community. The streets were polished stone, so clean they almost looked wet.
It wasn't hard for Lyra to smell the wealth here. This was nothing like the IronFangs Pack. There were no rusted metals or handmade fences.
This place was rich. Very, very rich.
One of the soldiers leaned toward her with a smile so gentle it made her stiffen even more.
“Your father will be thrilled to see you, Princess Irene.”
Lyra forced a tiny smile, though her stomach curled into knots at the thought of meeting the notorious Darius Cross. “Thank you.”
They continued walking through the marble courtyard toward what could only be described as a metal fortress disguised as a palace.
She was nervous, but she hoped they would all chalk that up to her traumatic experience.
Suddenly the man behind her placed a cautious, almost trembling hand on her back. “May I have a word?”
Lyra tensed instantly and turned to face him.
He cleared his throat. “I know this isn’t the perfect time to say this. But these past few weeks have shown me something I can’t ignore anymore. I deeply care about you, and I can't keep hiding how I feel.”
Lyra’s eyes widened.
Oh no.
Not this. Not now. Not when she didn’t even know this man’s name. She didn't know anyone or anything here besides the rumors she’d learned of Darius.
She stepped back on instinct as he turned to face her fully. The tough expression he wore in front of the soldiers melted away, replaced with something painfully vulnerable. His lips trembled as if he was terrified of what he was confessing.
“Irene,” he breathed in a soft tone. “I love you.”
Lyra blinked, completely taken aback by the confession.
Love?
She had no idea what Irene would have said. She had no idea what history existed between them, what emotions Irene may have returned or rejected. All Lyra felt was panic clawing up her throat, burning her cheeks.
The man was looking at her hopefully, and she knew she had to speak.
“I don’t think I’m ready for this,” she stammered weakly.
The man nodded immediately, stepping back, shame painting his face red. “You’re right. I’m sorry. That was foolish. You barely survived a near-death experience, and here I am, confessing love like an idiot.” He let out a nervous laugh and rubbed his neck. “I’m sorry I brought it up. I’m just happy you’re home.”
Lyra gave a small, uncomfortable smile, hoping it looked Irene-ish.
Thankfully, before she had to survive any more emotional confessions, salvation slammed into the corridor in the form of a large man.
“My darling!”
The voice boomed loud enough to rattle the windows.
The soldier jumped out of the way instantly as a mountainous man strode forward.
Lyra barely had time to process his size before two massive arms engulfed her in a crushing hug. He smelled like smoke, metal, and blood. A lot of blood.
“I have missed you greatly!” he declared, pressing a loud kiss to her forehead.
Lyra stiffened.
This had to be him.
The infamous Darius Cross. Alpha of the Titanium Pack and the father of Irene.
He pulled back just enough to cup her cheeks with enormous, tattooed hands. His touch wasn’t gentle. It was protective, like a man clutching a prized jewel he thought he’d lost.
“My princess,” he murmured, stroking her hair. “My only shining star. I told my men I would scour all of Ashvale, every mountain and every ocean to find you.”
Lyra swallowed hard, offering the safest response she could think of—silence.
He searched her face, his deep-set eyes flicking over every inch as if memorizing her. His expression softened. “What’s wrong, honey? Aren’t you happy to be home?”
Lyra forced a smile and whispered, “I’m happy to be home, daddy.”
Darius froze.
Lyra’s heart hammered at the change in the man's face. Had she said the wrong thing? Was Irene not supposed to call him that? Did she break some Titanium Pack etiquette rule?
“You haven’t called me that since you were a baby,” Darius said slowly. His voice carried a strange mixture of surprise and suspicion. “Is everything fine?” He gripped her shoulders, tilting her head to inspect her. “Are you hurt? Did something happen? Did they do something to you? Did my men fail—”
“No,” Lyra said quickly, placing a shaky hand on his wrist. “Everything is fine. Truly. I’m just tired. I want to rest.”
Instantly his face brightened.
“Of course! How could I forget?” he exclaimed loudly. Then he turned to the soldiers behind him. “Prepare the castle for my angelic daughter!”
I stood there, not knowing what to ask as he continued his announcement.
“A feast of a dozen cows and pork. Let the entire Titanium Pack celebrate the return of my daughter!”
Lyra blinked.
Twelve cows?
Was that normal here?
Before she could breathe, six identical maids appeared out of nowhere, lined up perfectly in front of her.
All bowed deeply. “Welcome back to your castle, Princess Irene,” they chorused in unison.
Lyra stared.
It sounded rehearsed. Like they practiced it every day for years.
She hid her unease behind a fake smile.
Darius clapped his hands together proudly. “Get her dressed the way she likes it, girls. I want the entire pack to know that their precious jewel has returned!”
Lyra’s stomach dropped.
Darius bent down to press another heavy kiss to her forehead before letting the maids escort her up the shining metal staircase.
Lyra glanced around as they guided her deeper into the fortress.
It was beautiful, but all Lyra felt was dread.